Be inspired and learn from insiders of the climbing industry. We interview routesetters, coaches, managers of gyms and brands, and legendary figures from our sport.
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Be inspired and learn from insiders of the climbing industry. We interview routesetters, coaches, managers of gyms and brands, and legendary figures from our sport.
Setting the Tone: What Makes a Space Feel Good? – Jesse Safford
Climbing Business Journal Podcasts
1 hour 15 minutes 36 seconds
2 months ago
Setting the Tone: What Makes a Space Feel Good? – Jesse Safford
Jesse Safford (they/them) started climbing during college in Montana, but it wasn’t until they moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, that they stumbled upon setting. Now Jesse is the Head Setter at Terra Firma. Jesse is also an avid comp setter, chiefing and setting their annual in-house Rabble Rouser competition at Terra Firma, and has set for Death Moth, Siege the Southeast and Flight of the Phoenix, among many others. Most recently, they’re extremely excited about the upcoming Midwest Mayhem series. Outside of climbing, Jesse is a birdwatcher, Dungeons and Dragons player, and cat parent. What does D&D have to do with working on a routesetting team? How can we all play a role in improving our team dynamics? Jesse and Holly dive into those topics and much more on today’s episode.
General Topics Covered
What does it mean to have “good vibes” on a routesetting team?
How social pressure influences us in routesetting and tips for Head Setters/Event Chiefs to soften the atmosphere
Emotional awareness and situational awareness of team dynamics
What Dungeons and Dragons can teach us about team vibes
Checking in on yourself and verbalizing your own needs to the team
Role modeling vulnerability
How Jesse and our host, Holly, met / Jesse’s perfect D&D campaign
Show Notes
Find Jesse Safford on Instagram
Terra Firma
Competitions mentioned: Death Moth, Siege the Southeast, Midwest Mayhem, Flight of the Phoenix
All you need to know about Dungeons and Dragons battle strategy
Closing Notes
If you’d like to nominate someone as a next guest, have a topic you want to see us tackle or have questions, we’d love for you to reach out.
The Impact Driver podcast is a production of the Climbing Business Journal. Today’s episode is sponsored by Approach and Trango. It was edited and produced by Holly Yu Tung Chen, Scott Rennak and the team at CBJ. Our theme music is by Devin Dabney.
Climbing Business Journal Podcasts
Be inspired and learn from insiders of the climbing industry. We interview routesetters, coaches, managers of gyms and brands, and legendary figures from our sport.